From Brussels to British ColumbiaAn analysis of the proliferation of Passive House in Brussels

B.C. has acknowledged through various initiatives that the built environment is an important area in which to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. These initiatives include the recently announced Climate Leadership Plan, commitments to “lead the way to net-zero” as a member of the Pacific Coast Collaborative, and setting targets in the Energy Efficient Building Strategy. In order for a net-zero target for buildings to contribute meaningfully toward achieving B.C.’s climate targets, an aggressive and ambitious pathway must be set — and B.C. has yet to define its path. The example of the Brussels–Capital Region in Belgium may provide some inspiration for how B.C. can set a bold trajectory and successfully realize ultra-high efficiency for buildings as part of the climate solution.

Achieving market transformation towards net-zero buildings in British Columbia will require a multitude of policy tools, including incentives, funding, training, improvements in compliance and enforcement, benchmarking, a strong carbon tax, and building regulations. This paper focuses specifically on the role and history of building regulations in accelerating energy efficiency.

Along with its Pacific Coast Collaborative partners—the states of California, Oregon and Washington—British Columbia has committed to “lead the way to ‘net-zero’ buildings.” This paper looks specifically at the necessary components of a roadmap to make new complex (Part 3) buildings net-zero ready.

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